Do IWBs differ?

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Do Interactive Whiteboards Differ? This section looks at Software, Licensing and Hardware.

A major starting point is the interface device: do you use a Pen (Stylus) or Finger Tips ...either Pen or Finger ...or Fingers i.e. are there multi-user options?

For most users, the difference in the CBI software is what is most obvious. All will have Resize, Reposition and Rotate options (the "three Rs of IWB", David Kearney). I would expect to see

Regular Shapes

Pens, Highlighters and Erasers

Some 'magic pen' effect ...one board, for example, does not allow for the 'Erase and Reveal' effect in that the user cannot contrast a 'tippex' colour against the background!

Option to Hyperlink ...to external websites, to Sounds etc.

Locking

Layering

Insert Media (Pictures, Sounds, Videos)

Screen recording/playback

Screenshot capture

I also look for

Gallery ...and, if possible, one that is Searchable

Free-hand, irregular Shapes ...that can be Filled

Hand-writing and/or Shape Recognition

Just a few have the ability to show correct/incorrect answers via bounce-back effect (although you can work around this by placing Objects in front or behind other objects) ...and still fewer have the ability to set Animation paths ...and a few can record Sound directly

I would expect to be able to import other files (typically PowerPoints but, very importantly, support for the 'Common File Format')

Note that software versions are regularly updated, so make sure you are using
the latest version (usually supplied free to registered users)

Licensing for CBI Software::

SMART Notebook licensing is not a direct 'one board - one license' model: the software may be used on any 'reasonable' number of computers, particularly in the context of work in preparation for use on the SMARTboard itself.

Where SMART Notebook software is used on a non-SMART board, a separate "Competitive
Product Software Licence" can be purchased

A number of Boards are supplied with their own proprietory software, augmented in some cases with Easiteach Next Generation software.

With Easiteach, it may be installed on the same number of computers as the
number of licences you have purchased. As a teacher, you may only install the
Software at home if you have purchased 'teacher home-use' licences. If you purchase
25 (Primary) or 50 (Secondary) licences of any Easiteach product, your licence
is automatically extended to be a site licence.